The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters

The decisions you make and the way you treat others have more impact than you may ever realize.

Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it’s had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It’s a story/i>

Overview

The decisions you make and the way you treat others have more impact than you may ever realize.

Speaker and New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews shares a compelling and powerful story about a decision one man made over a hundred years ago, and the ripple effect it’s had on us individually, and nationwide, today. It’s a story that will inspire courage and wisdom in the decisions we make, as well as affect the way we treat others through our lifetime. Andrews speaks over 100 times a year, and The Butterfly Effect is his #1 most requested story.

Also included with the purchase of the book is a link to view a 9-minute message of Andrews telling The Butterfly Effect story to a live audience.

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Editorial Reviews

In science, the so-called Butterfly Effect is the offspring of chaos theory, but the concept that the movements of a single butterfly can eventually have a far-reaching ripple effect first blazed into popular consciousness in Ray Bradbury's 1952 "A Sound of Thunder" sci-fi story or perhaps more accurately, in the views George Bailey espoused in 1946's It's A Wonderful Life. With this heartening primer, Andy Andrews extends that ripple into the lives of diverse individual readers. In his metamorphosis of the Butterfly Effect, Andrews urges readers to take actions, not hoard them. Domino effects that bring success and fulfillment.

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Meet the Author

Hailed by a New York Times reporter as “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” Andy Andrews is a best-selling novelist, speaker, and consultant for the world’s largest corporations and organizations. He has spoken at the request of four different United States presidents and recently addressed members of Congress and their spouses. Andy is the author of three New York Times bestsellers. He and his wife, Polly, have two sons.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters 4.3 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
91 reviews.

anathica

More than 1 year ago

I'll admit, when I selected this book to review, I was expecting an actual novel to read, like a full-length story. So I was kind of surprised when this small, nearly pocket-sized baby of a book showed up in my mailbox! Yes, it is a very quick read; Amazon lists it as having 115 pages but each of those pages has maybe one sentence. It can be thumbed through in one sitting. But I don't think that was the intention. I do believe this is more of a gift book, something you get when someone in your life needs some inspiration and hope. Or to pick up for yourself when you're having a dark day and really need to find that little glimmer of hope. This is a really beautiful book, both visually and in its message. This would make a stunning addition to your coffee table. I definitely and highly recommend this book.

HomeSchoolBookReview

More than 1 year ago

Have you ever given any thought to how your choices and actions now might affect the future, even after you're gone? In 1963, Edward Lorenz presented a hypothesis that "A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn, moving more molecules of air-eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet." This gave birth to the idea of the "butterfly effect." Based upon this concept, New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews uses a couple of examples and their effects in history-Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who held back the Confederate charge at the Battle of Gettysburg; and Norman Borlaug, who developed hybridized high yield, disease resistant corn and wheat for arid climates which saved two billion people-to remind us that every single thing which we do matters. "Is life just a lottery ticket, or are there choices one can make to direct his future?"
Andy Andrews is a popular motivational author and speaker. When he was nineteen, he lost his mother to cancer and his minister father in an automobile accident within the span of a few months, and, as a result. spent several years homeless on the coast of Alabama. At the age of 23, he was given guidance by an old man named Jones, who told him, "With a little perspective, you can live a life of permanent purpose." Out of this advice, Andrews says that he came up with the "Seven Decisions." Touring the United States as a comedian, he opened for acts such as Kenny Rogers and Joan Rivers, and as his popularity increased, he started adding more serious tones, including his Seven Decisions, into his act. This began his transformation from comedian to professional speaker. The Seven Decisions eventually shaped the manuscript of his 2002 New York Times best-selling novel The Traveler's Gift.
Since then, Andrews has spoken at the request of four different U. S. presidents, at military bases worldwide, and at the world's largest corporations. He has written over twenty books, including The Noticer and The Heart Mender, and sold more than 3.5 million copies around the world. In 2009, The Noticer became his second New York Times best-seller. His books have been translated into over twenty languages. The Butterfly Effect was released as a gift book to help people understand that our actions have value far greater than silver or gold. I enjoyed reading it, learning about both Col. Chamberlain and Mr. Borlaug, and considering how their actions had consequences far beyond their time. Andrews says, "Know that your actions cannot be hoarded, saved for later, or used selectively. By your hand, millions-billions-of lives will be altered, caught up in a chain of events begun by you this day." Whether you need serious encouragement to overcome a negative attitude or just a gentle nudge to stimulate your thinking as you journey along the way of life, you'll find it in The Butterfly Effect.

KCPryzr

More than 1 year ago

I was supposed to have reviewed this book last year. I was given a link to an E-Book by Thomas Nelson Publishers and I had some upheaval in my life and just didn't have time to read it and then it expired. I was so bummed. I love just about everything Andy Andrews writes, and couldn't believe I just blew a chance to read this. Then someone was kind enough to give me a Barnes and Noble Gift Card and I used it to purchase the book. It was worth it.
If you have never read Andy Andrews, most of what he writes is in allegory format (a truth wrapped inside a story). This was the way Jesus taught most things for a reason. Stories stick with us. I love Andy because he shares little tidbits of history, which I love. One of his favorite people in history is Joshua Chamberlain, a 34-year-old college professor turned Union Army Colonel. This man was given one task during a battle that ultimately changed the course of history for the U.S. Mr. Andrews has given us some of his story in some of his other books like "The Traveler" and The Noticer", but I don't remember him going into as much detail, and I have to tell you, he has turned into one of my favorite historical characters.
This book is not a hard read. It took me about 15 minutes to read it cover-to-cover, but it is a book that everyone should read once, and then again and again as a way to remind ourselves that what we do matters, not just to us or our family, but could have long lasting impact that we can't even see.
I also want to encourage you to put Andy Andrews in your To Be Read list. Motivate yourself and others around you to make everything you do count. It's up to you...Do Something!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Andy Andrews uses amazing examples throughout human history to drive home the fact that each action that we take affects not just ourselves but everyone around us. This inspirational book takes only 10 minutes to read, but the magnitude of Andrew's message stays with you for the rest of your life. I love that Andrews focuses on the important fact that my life and each person's life matters. This book is a great gift because it influences your thoughts and actions and hopefully helps you change the world!

HarmoniousGlow

More than 1 year ago

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Summary: Motivational speaker and writer attempts to drive home the point that any small action can have an eventual huge effect. He demonstrates this with one longer story of Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who helped win the Civil War and saved thousands of lives. But there were other people who made Chamberlain's life possible - others effected those others, as well, as so it goes on and on.
Review: While it's an interesting concept, The Butterfly Effect really didn't do anything for me. It doesn't make for a very good table or gift book. It's short and easy to read, which can be a plus, but it's not something I would ever want to read again. Much of it is exactly the same as the children's book version, "The Boy Who Changed the World," and I enjoyed the children's book much more. At least it has colorful pictures to make me happy. I'm just not a huge fan of pointless gift books. But if that's your cup of tea, you'll enjoy this book.

xxKutieKayxx

More than 1 year ago

This book was absolutely amazing. I am intrigued with what is called The Butterfly Effect. If you have seen the movie then you kind of know what it is. If not, basically it is when any form of matter makes one move, it can change the life of everyone. The book goes into detail of examples that prove this to be true. It is amazing how one move by one person years and years ago can effect my life today at this very moment. It is a very inspiring book that tells you that you do matter. If you are going through something and are wondering why you are even alive then this book is for you, or maybe if you just want to be inspired then this book is for you too. I would recommend this book to every single person on the planet, it is really that good.

Teresa_Konopka

More than 1 year ago

I'm sure everyone's heard of the butterfly effect. Well, this book really puts it on the forefront and makes readers realize that their lives matter. Whether they give a command that will have historical significance, simply encourage someone, or stand up for a helpless person, all people can make a difference. Some stories in the book revolve around Civil War battles, politicians, science, and history in general. The shiny cover and overall optimistic message towards readers is copacetic. However, I'd like this book more if God and Jesus were part of "The Butterfly Effect." After all, if One Man's action's can be said to have had the most impact of the world, it would not be a soldier or politician--it'd be Jesus.
http://brb.thomasnelson.com/reviews/blogger/2503

John1951

More than 1 year ago

This is a definite "get you thinking" kind of book. I have read a few of this author's other books and can recommend them all. This book is a 20 minute read that could change a lifetime.

ujwal

More than 1 year ago

When I read Andy Andrews' "The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters" it challenged me and inspired me with the historical information about a hypothesis made in 1966 that became popularly known as 'the butterfly effect' and how this has been proven scientifically and historically. The stories which include important events in America's history and individuals who changed the world through their contributions to each other's lives are eye-opening.
I enjoyed reading the book because it was so easy to read (I actually read it in one sitting) and the pages are so colorfully designed that will get one who easily gets bored with historical facts to continue turning the pages. I also like how this book can challenge anyone to consider everything in life and how it can make a difference in others and the whole world. This book inspired me to look at the bigger picture of things. I would recommend "The Butterfly Effect: How Your Life Matters" by Andy as a quick read.

ConfessionsofaClown

More than 1 year ago

The Butterfly Effect was an amazing book that demonstrated how lives can be interwoven and effect man kind in a positive way. Andy Andrews, uses various people who have somehow impacted the future of each other's lives. By one person doing something, another person was able to take the next step. It reminded me of the movie "Pay it Forward". This book demonstrated why we should try and help others, because you never know what good thing will result because of this action. This book was a fast book to read, and would make a wonderful gift for anyone. The illustrations in the book were beautiful. This book left me with a feeling that what I do in my life does matter. And that I should always strive to achieve new things. I wish the book had been longer, because I really enjoyed reading it.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Denien

More than 1 year ago

The Butterfly Effect. Once thought to be a thing of fiction, a whimsical fantasy; it has now been shown to have merit.
Andrews takes us back 100 years, and paints a picture of how one man's actions are still affecting the world today. The lines he draws are nothing short of amazing.
I read this book in one sitting, and enjoyed the story immensely. It makes the perfect gift for a loved one and I intend to pass it along to my own.

KoleD

More than 1 year ago

Simply amazing. I had the pleasure of receiving an early release Ebook of The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews and was immediately drawn in from the initial pages. I must tell you, I had the great fortune to hear in person Mr. Andrews gripping story that he so eloquently unfolds in the opening pages of The Butterfly Effect. Brought to life by his words in person, or simply jumping off the pages, this book will grip you and pull you in from the word go.
By no means is this book a long drawn out version, but what it does have is a message with a weight if implemented in each and every persons life that has the pleasure to read it could change the world. The reality, as Mr. Andrews shares the information, it would not matter if you read the book or not, you are a function in this life be it good or bad.
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. I don't believe that it is tailored to any one single audience. Or, should I say it is tailored to one audience and that audience is the world as a whole. A bit melodramatic perhaps, but the core concept that our actions have the ability to impact today and the future is mind blowing. Its very obvious mind you, but the series of stories and events that Andy backs up the goods with, should and will create real change. Bravo Mr. Andrews for a great, simple piece of work that is not only great to read, but a beautiful piece. Will maybe a great coffee table book at my home for years to come!

mandasparkle

More than 1 year ago

The Butterfly Effect is a great book for for adults to learn how their life really does matter. It is an inspiring story of how one person can really make a difference in the world and how one person can influence another person and so on and so on to lead to an ultimate outcome for good. It's inspiring to know that history can be changed by one small little act from a common person that not many people have even ever heard of.
It is known as the "butterfly effect" where one thing you do has consequences you may never imagine for everyone on Earth. This is a great story to show that we are all connected and that everything we do does matter because not only does it affect you personally but it affects everyone else in the world personally too. This book displays how to understand cause and effect and to remind us that there is a reason why you are here and you have a purpose even if you don't know what that purpose is yet. It's a good story to teach you that the decisions they make today and tomorrow are very important, not only for your own life but for the lives of others too. Thinking about others and how a decision or action could affect another person helps people both think about and put others ahead of themselves and help you become less selfish. This is a great book I would highly recommend. It's a true story which makes it even better. I am book review blogger for Thomas Nelson Booksneeze and received this book free of charge to write a review. All opinions are my own.

Autumnice

More than 1 year ago

The Butterfly Effect
I was sitting at a cross roads in my life; I had just finished some major medical procedures, no job, limited money and a rebellious teenager when I was given the opportunity to read a book which has truly and profoundly moved me with it's simple concepts.
The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews is, in short a guide to living your life. The long story is that everything we do has an effect on not only our immediate surroundings, but everything.
Take for example, the bullet maker and Andrew Carnegie. In 1872 an English bullet maker showed Andrew Carnegie a simple though revolutionary new way to create steel; blast hot air through molten iron which caused the carbon impurities to burn off. For the first time ever, steel is affordable to make.
One English bullet maker has forever changed the way we look at metal and how we build. Without this simple concept for the production of steel, our skyscrapers and automobiles would not exist the way we know them.
Mr. Andrews' The Butterfly Effect Takes this concept and humanizes it.
.And my own personal crossroads? The teenager is still rebellious, but we are talking now instead of hollering, money is still tight, but my new job is awesome, and I am completely healed from my medical procedures.
Enjoy the Adventures in Reading!
Autumn
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

darkrogue83

More than 1 year ago

great book! talks about how your life can impact lives hundreds of yrs ahead in time. gives example of one man and tracing back couple of generations. impactful and mind and eye opening.
recieved an online copy of book provided by thomas nelson for review

The_Observer

More than 1 year ago

Every single thing you do matters.
It is too easy to get lost in the big world and think that what you do is insignificant. It is too easy to think that unless you're a president or a TV show star, no one except your immediate friends and relatives is affected by what you do. However, even if all you do is sweep the streets and other behind-the-scenes jobs, it matters! That is the main topic of the Butterfly Effect book by Andy Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author and inspirational corporate speaker.
I loved how Andy used stories about common people to show how important the implications of what they did were for the world as we know it these days. Who knows, maybe the next person you'll help on the street by giving them directions will change the world.
This gift book is ideal for Young Adults age group as well as older people.
I would highly recommend this book because it touches upon a very important issue - in the age when the separation gap between people becomes wider and wider - some get extremely popular and some remain in the shadows - everyone needs to know that what they do affects their surroundings. and beyond.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

SnowyOwl09

More than 1 year ago

This is an easy read about how your life can affect others, like a ripple effect of a stone in the pond. The ideas and short examples are well-written and could be a valuable source for a short devotional time in a religious group or to share with your children to teach them about the consequences of their actions.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This story is amazing.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

slowreader62

More than 1 year ago

If you have read any of Andy Andrews books you have already read The bu tterfly effect. while there are pretty pictures and thoughts, it is basically 2 stories that you have read before numerous times in his other books and stories. It cost 13.00 after shipping and for the first time ever I was sorry I bought an Andy Andrews book!